The Republican-controlled Ways and Means committee of the Texas House of Representatives has okayed a tax break for the purchase of yachts. (Above–Little comment needed. Photo by B. Straub.) From the Houston Chronicle-— “Republican Rep. John Davis said other states have paved the way for his proposal — primarily Florida, which backers of his bill say is […]

Republican Harris County Judge Ed Emmett hopes Republican legislators in Austin will do they right thing in the face of drastic cuts to vital services that are on the way in Texas. Here is what Judge Emmett has said as reported in the Houston Chronicle— ” In his State of the County address March 4, […]

Blogger’s Note–I’ll be on the road for a few days and unable to post at The Hurricane. I’d like to please leave all you good folks something to do while I am gone. Please read below for all the many steps you can take to oppose the sharp cuts to education and other vital state […]

With drastic budget cutting and vindictive culture war legislation being considered now in our Texas legislature, everyday people are starting to push back. On Saturday, March 12, a Save Texas Schools rally and march will be held at the State Capitol in Austin. This event will begin at noon. There is hope that this will be a good-sized protest with people […]

The Texas State Senate has the votes to pass bill that forces women seeking an abortion to get a sonogram. With Republicans in firm ontrol of the Texas House and with Governor Perry ready to sign the legislation, it seems that this bill will soon become law. Here are facts on the bill from The […]

To distract Texans from the massive cuts ahead due to the Republican-caused budget deficit, Governor Rick Perry has declared a number of “emergency” subjects for the upcoming Texas Legislative session to consider. This emergency status allows topics deemed of great importance by the Governor to be rushed to the front of the regular legislative calendar. The Texas political […]

The newly empowered majorities in the Texas Legislature are considering pulling out of Medicare and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Doing so would—In the view of the far-right— have the double-barreled effect of possibly saving money—If only in the short-term and at great human cost—and finding yet another way to stick it to Washington. […]